Split heating and cooling systems

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems and methods. An aspect of the present disclosure is a device that includes a housing having an external surface and defining an interior volume, a heat exchanger positioned within the interior volume, a fluid line partially positioned within the interior volume, a sleeve extending from the external surface and terminating at a distal end of the sleeve, and a fluid connector. The sleeve has an outside wall spanning a length of the sleeve and defining an internal cavity, the fluid connector is positioned at or near the distal end, a portion of the fluid line is positioned within the internal cavity, and the fluid line provides a fluid connection between the heat exchanger and the fluid connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos.62/160,307, 62/204,855, and 62/254,324, filed May 12, 2015, Aug. 13,2015, and Nov. 12, 2015, respectively, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This application isa continuation of International Application PCT/US2016/032008 filed May12, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

CONTRACTUAL ORIGIN

The United States Government has rights in this invention under ContractNo. DE-AC36-08GO28308 between the United States Department of Energy andthe Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, the Manager and Operator ofthe National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

BACKGROUND

Air conditioning of building spaces consumes large amounts of energy inthe United States and elsewhere. It drives electricity usage during peakelectricity demand and is the single largest user of electricity in U.S.buildings. Thus, reducing energy consumption requires innovative andcost-effective solutions for conditioning building spaces.

Residential construction practices are progressing towards conditioningtechnologies with higher energy efficiencies. However, current heatingand cooling systems do not typically offer capacities suitable forlow-load homes, while installation of over-sized heating and coolingsystems into low-load homes results in unnecessary, excessive costs andreduces the efficiencies of the conditioning systems. One alternative isthe room air conditioner. However, room air conditioners have not been apopular choice for newly constructed, single family homes due to theirpoor aesthetics and the desire for uniform climate conditions throughoutthe entirety of a home. More complicated systems tend to be moredifficult and expensive to install and custom designed for eachparticular installation.

Thus, a need remains for efficient, inexpensive, and attractive spaceconditioning systems. Also desirable, are systems that effectivelyprovide uniform space conditioning throughout low-load homes and highercooling capacities than traditional room air conditioners. In addition,such systems should be easily installed by the homeowner or renter,while minimizing exposure to and loss of refrigeration fluids from theair conditioning system.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is a device that includes a housinghaving an external surface and defining an interior volume, a heatexchanger positioned within the interior volume, a fluid line partiallypositioned within the interior volume, a sleeve extending from theexternal surface and terminating at a distal end of the sleeve, and afluid connector. The sleeve has an outside wall spanning a length of thesleeve and defining an internal cavity, the fluid connector ispositioned at or near the distal end, a portion of the fluid line ispositioned within the internal cavity, and the fluid line provides afluid connection between the heat exchanger and the fluid connector.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the outside wall mayinclude a receiving, and the receiving hole may pass completely throughthe outside wall. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, thedevice may include a guiding edge positioned on the outside wall of thesleeve, and the guiding edge may be substantially parallel with thelength of the sleeve. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, thesleeve may be positioned substantially perpendicular relative to theexternal surface.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device may include aconnecting head, where the connecting head may be positioned at thedistal end of the sleeve, and the fluid connector may be positioned at afixed position on the connecting head. In some embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the sleeve may include a first connector tube and asecond connector tube, the first connector tube may have a first end anda second end that defines a first length, and the first connector tubemay have a first wall that spans the first length and defines a firstinternal cavity. The second connector tube may have a first end and asecond end that defines a second length, and the second connector tubemay have a second wall that spans the second length and defines a secondinternal cavity. The first connector tube may have a receiving holepositioned in the first wall, the second connector tube may have anarrest mechanism, the arrest mechanism may be reversibly movable from alocked position within the receiving hole, to an unlocked positionoutside of the receiving hole, and the first connector tube may bemovable with respect to the second connector tube when the arrestmechanism is in the unlocked position.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device may include amotor and a fan, where the motor and the fan may positioned within theinterior volume, and the fan may be mechanically coupled to the motor bya drive mechanism. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, thefluid line may include a liquid line and a vapor line, each of which isconnected to the heat exchanger, the connector may include a firstconnector and a second connector, the vapor line may attach to the firstfluid connector, and the liquid line may attach to the second fluidconnector.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a device that includes a housinghaving an external surface and defining an interior volume, a heatexchanger positioned within the interior volume, a fluid line positionedwithin the interior volume, a channel extending into the interior volumefrom the external surface, and a fluid connector positioned at leastpartially within the channel, where the fluid line provides a fluidconnection between the heat exchanger and the fluid connector.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the channel may define aninside wall, and an arrest mechanism may be positioned within the insidewall. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device mayinclude a guiding groove positioned on the inside wall of the channel,where the guiding groove may be substantially parallel with the channel.In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the channel may bepositioned substantially perpendicular relative to the external surface.In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device may include aface plate, where the channel may terminate with the face plate at anend of the channel that may be within the interior volume, and the fluidconnector may be positioned at a fixed position on the face plate. Insome embodiments of the present disclosure, the device may include amotor and a fan, where the motor and the fan may be positioned withinthe interior volume, and the fan may be mechanically coupled to themotor by a drive mechanism. In some embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the fluid line may include a liquid line and a vapor line,each of which may be connected to the heat exchanger, the connector mayinclude a first connector and a second connector, the vapor line mayattach to the first fluid connector, and the liquid line may attached tothe second fluid connector.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a system that includes a firstunit and a second unit. The first unit includes a first housing having afirst external surface and defining a first interior volume, a firstheat exchanger positioned within the first interior volume, a firstfluid line partially positioned within the first interior volume, asleeve extending from the first external surface and terminating at adistal end, and a first part of a fluid connector. The sleeve has anoutside wall spanning a length of the sleeve and defining an internalcavity, the first part of the fluid connector is positioned at or nearthe distal end, a portion of the first fluid line is positioned withinthe internal cavity, and the first fluid line provides a fluidconnection between the first heat exchanger and the first part of thefluid connector. The second unit includes a second housing having asecond external surface and defining a second interior volume, a secondheat exchanger positioned within the second interior volume, a secondfluid line positioned within the second interior volume, a channelextending into the second interior volume from the second externalsurface, and a second part of the fluid connector positioned within thechannel. The second fluid line provides a second fluid connectionbetween the second heat exchanger and the second part of the fluidconnector. The outside wall includes a receiving hole, the inside wallincludes an arrest mechanism, and the sleeve is positioned within thechannel. The sleeve has a first position, where the arrest mechanism ispositioned outside of the receiving hole such that the sleeve is movablein a direction substantially parallel to the length. The sleeve has asecond position, where the arrest mechanism is positioned substantiallywithin the receiving hole such that the sleeve is not movable in thedirection substantially parallel to the length, and the first part andthe second part are physically connected to form a liquid seal thatallows a fluid to be transferred between the first heat exchanger andthe second heat exchanger.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a method that includes insertinga sleeve of a first unit through a hole positioned in a wall having afirst surface and a second surface, such that a distal end of the sleeveprotrudes from the second surface of the wall, securing the first unitto the wall by fastening a locking mechanism to the distal end; placingthe distal end in a channel that penetrates into a first surface of ahousing of a second unit, moving the second unit to a desired positionrelative to the wall by moving the distal end into the channel, and

securing the second unit to the first unit using at least one arrestmechanism positioned at least within the channel or on the sleeve. Thesecuring the second unit to the first unit provides a fluid connectionbetween the first unit and the second unit.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include,before the inserting, forming the hole in the wall, such that the holepasses completely through a thickness of the wall. In some embodimentsof the present disclosure, the forming may produce a hole that ispositioned substantially perpendicular relative to at least one of thefirst surface of the wall or the second surface of the wall. In someembodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include, prior tothe inserting, placing a first gasket around the sleeve. In someembodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include, prior tothe placing the distal end in the channel, placing a second gasketaround the distal end. In some embodiments of the present disclosure,the method may include, prior to the inserting, attaching a securementplate, the securement plate comprising a hole passing through thesecurement plate, to the second surface of the wall, where the insertingthe sleeve further may include inserting the sleeve through the hole ofthe securement plate. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, thefastening the locking mechanism may include at least one of threading orratcheting the locking mechanism onto the distal end of the sleeve.

DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings.It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are tobe considered illustrative rather than limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wall-mounted, modular air conditioning system,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a wall-mounted, modular airconditioning system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a wall-mounted, modular airconditioning system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a face plate for attachingshared connected elements of a modular air conditioning system,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate perspective views of a modular airconditioning system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5c illustrates a connecting mechanism for attaching condenser firstunit and a second unit of a modular air conditioning system, accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5d illustrates an outer locking collar for a connecting mechanism,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate elements of a modular air conditioning systemfor simple, cost- and time-efficient installation onto a wall, accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates features of a first unit of a modular airconditioning system, according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example modular airconditioning system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating example configurations of amodular air conditioning system, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a modular air conditioning system withshared, connected elements (drive mechanism, electrical lines, and fluidlines), according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate features of a modular air conditioningsystem, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates feature of a modular air conditioning system,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate two parts of a fluid connector, both in afirst position FIG. 14a , where the two parts are not connected with nofluid flow, and in a second position FIG. 14b , where the two parts areconnected to allow fluid flow through the two parts, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate two parts of a fluid connector, both in afirst position FIG. 15a , where the two parts are not connected with nofluid flow, and in a second position FIG. 15b , where the two parts areconnected to allow fluid flow through the two parts, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 16a and 16b illustrate two parts of a fluid connector, both in afirst position FIG. 16a , were the two parts are not connected with nofluid flow, and in a second position FIG. 16b , where the two parts areconnected to allow fluid flow through the two parts, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates an air conditioning system that may utilize a fluidconnector similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate predicted energy and utility bill savingsbased on building simulations using EcoSnap-AC relative to a window airconditioner in Phoenix, Ariz. The simulated space was 400 sqft which isrepresentative of the floor area that would be conditioned by theseproducts. Construction was typical of 1980's homes. The simulationengine used was EnergyPlus which was DOE's flagship building simulationtool. Cooling energy savings is over 20%, estimated utility bill savingsis $35/year. Utility bill savings includes heating and cooling energyand accounts for reductions in unwanted air infiltration to the livingspace.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 . . . air conditioning system

110 . . . wall

115 . . . hole

120 . . . condenser unit

125 . . . first unit

127 . . . first housing

130 . . . evaporator unit

135 . . . second unit

137 . . . second housing

140 . . . first gasket

150 . . . second gasket

155 . . . first attachment

157 . . . second attachment

160 . . . channel

170 . . . sleeve

175 . . . flange

180 . . . drive mechanism

190 . . . spring

200 . . . receiving hole

210 . . . arrest mechanism

220 . . . face plate

230 . . . guiding groove

240 . . . guiding edge

250 . . . drive receiver

255 . . . arrest track

260 . . . spring

270 . . . fluid connector

280 . . . electrical connector

290 . . . refrigerant connector

300 . . . fluid line

310 . . . electrical line

320 . . . refrigerant line

500-1 . . . outer locking collar

500-2 . . . inner locking collar

500-3 . . . first connector tube

500-4 . . . second connector tube

500-5 . . . locking mechanism

500-6 . . . third connector tube

600 . . . securement plate

700 . . . first fan

710 . . . heat exchanger

720 . . . utility line

730 . . . valve

740 . . . compressor

750 . . . capillary tube

760 . . . flexible tubing

770 . . . connecting head

780 . . . connector

800 . . . motor

810 . . . second fan

1100 . . . fluid connector

1110 . . . first part

1120 . . . collar

1130 . . . wall

1135 . . . fluid channel

1140 . . . catch

1150 . . . lip

1160 . . . collapsible resistance element

1170 . . . plug

1172 . . . first contact surface

1174 . . . second contact surface

1175 . . . stop

1180 . . . second part

1190 . . . wall

1192 . . . first contact surface

1195 . . . fluid channel

2010 . . . plug

2020 . . . second contact surface

2030 . . . collapsible resistance element

2040 . . . rigid resistance element

2050 . . . ring

2060 . . . seal

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may address one or more of the problems anddeficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it iscontemplated that some embodiments as disclosed herein may prove usefulin addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technicalareas. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should notnecessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particularproblems or deficiencies discussed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an air conditioning system 100, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the airconditioning system 100 is configured for cooling an inside environmentand includes a condenser unit 120 and an evaporator unit 130 mounted onopposite sides of a wall 110. The condenser unit 120 is in fluidcommunication with the evaporator unit 130 by a refrigerant supply line(not shown) and a refrigerant return line (not shown). The refrigerant(not shown) is compressed, using a compressor (not shown), from a firststarting pressure to a second higher exit pressure. The compressedrefrigerant then enters the condenser unit 120. The condenser unit 120includes a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the refrigerant tothe outside air by condensing the refrigerant within the heat exchanger.The cooled, condensed refrigerant is then directed across a meteringvalve (not shown) to the evaporator unit 130. The refrigerant undergoesa pressure drop as it passes across the valve, from the second higherpressure produced by the compressor to the lower starting pressure(assuming minimal pressure losses in the rest of the system). Theevaporator unit 130 includes a second heat exchanger that transfers heatfrom a warm, inside air stream (not shown) to the refrigerant (notshown), vaporizing the refrigerant, and cooling the inside air stream,which may then be circulated within the structure to provide cooling.Thus, the condenser unit 120 may have a fan (not shown), and a motor(not shown) for driving the fan, to transport outside air over heatexchanger contained in the condenser unit 120. In addition, theevaporator unit 130 may have another fan (not shown), and another motor(not shown) for driving the evaporator fan, for transporting inside airover the evaporator unit 130. In addition, the compressor (not shown)may also have its own dedicated motor (not shown). Other connectedelements may exist between the condenser unit 120 and the evaporatorunit 130 including, for example, additional fluid lines (e.g.condensate) and electrical lines. A fluid line may be any conduitsuitable for transferring a fluid used in an air conditioning system.Exemplary fluids include liquid water, water vapor, liquid refrigerant,and/or vaporized refrigerant.

Referring again to FIG. 1, regardless of their relative position to theoutside and inside environments, a condenser unit 120 and an evaporatorunit 130 of the air conditioning system 100 may be physically connectedto each other by a pair of connecting elements, a first attachment 155and a second attachment 157. For example, a first attachment 155 may bephysically attached to the condenser unit 120 and/or the housing of thecondenser unit 120, in the form of a hollow tube or duct. The firstattachment 155 may be attached to the condenser unit housing and/orevaporator unit housing by any suitable means, e.g. by screws, threads,welds, rivets, adhesives, etc. Alternatively, the first attachment 155may be an integral part of the housing of an condenser unit 120. Thefirst attachment 155 may have a first end that is attached to thecondenser unit 120 and a second end that is adjustably inserted intoand/or connected to the second attachment 157. For example, the secondattachment 157 may be a hollow tube or duct with a larger diameter thanthe diameter of the first attachment 155, such that the first attachment155 may be adjustably inserted into the second attachment 157, where“adjustably” refers to the ability to control how much of the firstconnector's length may be inserted into the second attachment 157. Thus,the first attachment 155 may slide within the second attachment 157, andthe first attachment 155 may be reversibly secured at one or morepre-defined locations within the second attachment 157.

A second attachment 157 of an air conditioning system 100 may beinserted into one or more holes (not shown) that have been placedthrough a wall 110 to provide structural support for the evaporator unit130 and the condenser unit 120, and/or to assist with positioning,aligning, and/or attaching the evaporator unit 130 and the condenserunit 120 together. For example, a hole may be positioned within a wall110 such that it passes through the entire width/thickness of the wall110, such that the hole is positioned substantially perpendicular to theoutside surfaces of the wall 110. A second attachment 157 may bepositioned within the hole so that the second attachment 157 passesthrough at least a portion of the wall's thickness. The secondattachment 157 may then be secured using a fastener (not shown) so thatthe second attachment 157 remains at a fixed position within the holeand the wall 110. Thus, a second attachment 157 may act as permanentfixture, attachment and/or guide for positioning the first attachment155 attached to the condenser unit 120, relative to the wall 110 and theevaporator unit 130.

A second attachment 157 may physically attach to the evaporator unit 130and/or the housing of the evaporator unit 130 e.g. by adhesives, screws,rivets, threads, welds, etc. In still other examples, the secondattachment 157 may be an integral part and/or extension of theevaporator unit 130 and/or the housing of the evaporator unit 130. Inother cases, the second attachment 157 may have a first end that isinserted within a hole positioned within a wall 110 and a second endthat is attached to the evaporator unit 130 and/or inserted into aninterior channel (not shown) positioned within the evaporator unit 130.Thus, a second attachment 157 may have a first end, a second end, and alength connecting the two ends, where a substantial portion of thelength is positioned within a hole (not shown) placed through the wall110. A pair of connecting elements is shown in FIG. 1; first attachments155 a and 155 b, and second attachments 157 a and 157 b. This is forillustrative purposes. In some embodiments of the present invention, oneor more connecting elements or connecting systems may be utilized toposition and/or connect a condenser unit and an evaporator unit relativeto each other and relative to a supporting wall.

The example described above for FIG. 1 describes a cooling scenario,where heat is transferred from an inside environment, by vaporizingrefrigerant in an evaporator unit 130 positioned inside, to an outsideenvironment, by condensing the refrigerant in a condenser unit 120positioned outside. However, in some embodiments, the air conditioningsystem 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be operated as a heating system byoperating the system in “reverse”. For example, heat may be transferredfrom the outside environment to the inside environment by positioningthe evaporator unit 130 outside and the condenser unit 120 inside. Forthis configuration, heat is transferred from the outside air byevaporation of the refrigerant in the evaporator unit 130, with thisheat then transferred to the inside environment by condensing therefrigerant in the condenser unit 120. However, because the condenser inthe condenser unit 120 is an air-cooled heat-exchanger, and theevaporator in an evaporator unit 130 is an air-heated heat-exchanger, anair conditioning system may be configured to operate in either a heatingmode or a cooling mode, where the system may be reversibly switchedbetween the two modes by changing the direction of flow of therefrigerant in the air conditioning system (e.g. by reversing the flowdirection of the pump circulating the refrigerant, and/or suitable useof valves and piping).

Thus, referring again to FIG. 1, the relative positions of the condenserunit 120 and the evaporator unit 130 are shown for illustrativepurposes. In other cases, the relative positions of the condenser unit120 and the evaporator unit 130 may be reversed. The choice of relativepositions of the condenser unit 120 and the evaporator unit 130 willdepend on the application. For the remainder of the figures in thepresent disclosure, the more general terms “first unit” and “secondunit” will be used, where both the first unit and the second unit willcontain the mechanical elements needed to heat and/or cool; e.g. a heatexchanger, a compressor, a motor, a fan, piping, and/or valving, etc.Thus, in some embodiments, a first unit may be a condenser unit and asecond unit may be an evaporator unit. In some embodiments, a first unitmay be an evaporator unit and a second unit may be a condenser unit. Insome embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioning systemmay provide between about 4,000 BTU/hr and about 18,000 BTU/hr ofheating and/or cooling capacity.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an air conditioning system100. This exemplary air conditioning system 100 has a second unit 135positioned on a first side of a wall 110, and a first unit 125positioned on a second side of the wall 110. FIG. 2 illustrates anexemplary system/method for positioning, aligning, and/or connecting thesecond unit 135 and the first unit 125 to each other and to thesupporting wall 110. In this example, a sleeve 170 is connected to thefirst unit 125. The sleeve 170 may be screwed, welded, riveted, and/oradhered to the first unit 125 and/or a housing of the first unit 125.The sleeve 170 may be a hollow tube, nested and/or telescoping tubes, ahollow pipe, nested and/or telescoping pipes, and/or any other suitablehollow structure having an interior passage. The sleeve 170 may alsoinclude a flange 175 to enable easier attachment of the sleeve 170 tothe first unit 125. A flange 175 may have one or more holes passingthrough it to enable the use of screws or other suitable attachingmechanisms, for attaching the sleeve 170 to the first unit 125.Alternatively, a sleeve may be an integral component of the second unit135.

The sleeve 170 may be positioned in a substantially concentricconfiguration around one or more shared, connected elements utilized byboth the first unit 125 and the first second 135. As shown in FIG. 2,one such connected element may be a drive mechanism 180, which may bepositioned within the internal passage of the sleeve 170. The drivemechanism 180 may connect, for example, two fans (not shown), one eachused by the second unit 135 and the first unit 125, thus enabling onemotor (not shown) to be used for both fans and eliminating a motor fromthe air conditioning system 100. Other shared, connected elements thatmay pass through the hollow interior passage of a sleeve 170 may includefluid lines, electrical lines, and/or any other utility lines and/ormechanical connections required by a particular air conditioning system(see FIG. 4). Referring again to FIG. 2, a first end of the drivemechanism 180 may be physically attached to the first unit 125, and asecond end of the drive mechanism 180 may be physically attached to thesecond unit 135. A first end of the drive mechanism 180 may bephysically attached to a motor (not shown) positioned within the firstunit 125, where the motor powers the drive mechanism 180 and a fan (notshown) positioned within the first unit 125. The sleeve 170 may then bepositioned over the drive mechanism 180 and attached, e.g. using theflange 175, attached to the first unit 125 (e.g. the first unithousing). Once the sleeve 170 is attached to the first unit 125, thesleeve 170 and the drive mechanism 180 may be passed through a hole 115positioned in the wall 110 so that the second unit 135 may be physicallyconnected to the first unit 125.

FIG. 2 shows a second unit 135 with a channel 160 built into the secondunit 135, where the channel 160 may be configured to receive a portionof the sleeve 170. Thus, the sleeve 170, connected to the first unit125, may be inserted into the channel 160 of the second unit 135 tophysically attach the second unit 135 to the first unit 125. Asdescribed above, the drive mechanism 180 may have a first end that isphysically connected to a motor (not shown) built into the first unit125, e.g. to drive (e.g. rotate) a first fan (not shown) located in thefirst unit 125. A second end of the drive mechanism 180 may then beinserted into a receiver (not shown) positioned at the end of thechannel 160 of the second unit 135, resulting in the mechanical couplingof the motor (not shown) contained in the first unit 125 to the secondunit 135. Thus, the drive mechanism 180 may also drive (e.g. rotate) amechanical element positioned in the second unit 135, e.g. a second fan(not shown), in addition to the first fan (not shown) positioned withinthe first unit 125. Alternatively, a first unit 125 may be configuredwith a channel 160 to receive a sleeve 170 connected to a second unit135.

A system for physically aligning and/or connecting the sleeve 170 of afirst unit 125 within a channel 160 of a second unit 135 may include anumber of additional elements. For example, a sleeve 170 may have one ormore receiving holes (200 a and 200 b) positioned at predefined spacingalong the length of the sleeve 170. The receiving holes (200 a and 200b) may be positioned to receive one or more arrest mechanisms (210 a and210 b), which may be attached to the inside walls of the channel 160 ofthe second unit 135. Thus, as the sleeve 170 is inserted into thechannel 160, the arrest mechanisms (210 a and 210 b) may reversibly movein and out of the receiving holes (200 a and 200 b), in the radialdirection relative to the sleeve 170. When the arrest mechanisms (210 aand 210 b) are aligned with the receiving holes (200 a and 200 b), theymay move radially inward to occupy at least a portion of the receivingholes (200 a and 200 b) and provide friction to help maintain thesleeve's position within the channel 160 (along the long-axis of thesleeve 170, the longitudinal axis). The application of additional force,along the longitudinal axis, may cause the one or more arrest mechanisms(210 a and 210 b) to move back out of the receiving holes (200 a and 200b), radially outward, allowing the sleeve 170 to move either furtherinto the channel 160 (bringing the second unit 135 and the first unit125 closer together), or out of the channel 160 (moving the second unit135 and the first unit 125 farther apart). In some examples, the arrestmechanisms (210 a and 210 b) may require a radial force, for example apinching force, to move the arrest mechanisms (210 a and 210 b) out ofcontact with the receiving holes (200 a and 200 b), such that thesimultaneous application of a longitudinal force (relative to the sleeve170) will move the second unit 135 towards or away from the first unit125.

The arrest mechanisms (210 a and 210 b) and the corresponding receivingholes (200 a and 200 b) are examples of elements that provide a way tolock a second unit in a desired position relative to a first unit. Anyother suitable element may be used as an alternative to the previouslydescribed the arrest mechanisms (210 a and 210 b) and the correspondingreceiving holes (200 a and 200 b) and are considered within the scope ofthe present disclosure. Some alternative elements for locking the secondunit into position include friction fittings, threaded connections, pinmechanisms, and/or ratcheting mechanisms, where one or more of thesefeatures are placed as needed along the length of a sleeve and/or withina channel.

Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, a sleeve 170 may beconfigured to have a plurality of groups of receiving holes, with eachgroup positioned circumferentially around the diameter of the sleeve170. Each receiving hole 200, of each group of receiving holes, may bepositioned around the circumference of the sleeve 170 at substantiallythe same distance from either end of the sleeve 170 (e.g. the flange 175and/or the end positioned within the channel 160). In other embodiments,the receiving holes may be placed at varying distances from the end ofthe sleeve 170. The receiving holes 200 may pass entirely through thewalls of the sleeve 170, and/or the receiving holes 200 may pass onlypartially through the walls, resulting in depressions or divots, insteadof holes on the outside surfaces of the sleeve 170. Alternatively,instead of a plurality of groups of receiving holes 200 positionedaround the outer circumference of a sleeve 170, a sleeve 170 may have aplurality of grooves and/or indents that are placed around the outsidesurface of the sleeve 170 and around substantially all of the outercircumference of the sleeve 170. In this embodiment, one or more arrestmechanisms 210 may move reversibly in and out of the grooves and/orindents to guide the sleeve 170 into predefined positions within thechannel 160. Grooves and/or indents may provide the advantage (overholes) of not requiring that the arrest mechanisms 210 be perfectlypositioned around the outer circumference of the sleeve 170, to lock inplace (e.g. there will be no need to rotate the sleeve 170 around thelongitudinal axis).

One or more springs (190 a and 190 b) may also be positioned within thechannel 160, for example, to help minimize movement of the sleeve 170within the channel 160, once the desired position of the first unit 125relative to the second unit 135 is attained, e.g. along the longitudinalaxis of the sleeve 170. Unwanted movement of the installed airconditioning system 100 may also be minimized by the placement ofgaskets between opposing surfaces of the wall 110 and the first unit 125and/or the second unit 135. Gaskets may also provide a better barrierbetween the inside environment and the outside environment by providingbetter air and/or moisture seal. For example, a first gasket 140 may beplaced between the second unit 135 and a first outer surface of the wall110, and/or a second gasket 150 may be placed between the first unit 125and a second outer surface of the wall 110. Such gaskets (140 and 150)may provide an elastic force that helps minimize unwanted movement ofthe first unit 125 and/or the second unit 135, relative to each otherand to the wall 110, once the air conditioning system 100 is fullyinstalled. In addition, such gaskets (140 and 150) may also provideinsulating value be obstructing portions of the channel 160 not occupiedby the sleeve 170; e.g. prevent air flow through the hole 115.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sleeve 170 in the form of a hollow conduit (e.g. apipe, duct, etc.) through which one or more of a fluid line, anelectrical line, and/or a drive mechanism may pass. In some embodiments,a sleeve may be constructed from one or substantially solid projections.Such a solid projection may extend in a longitudinal direction for adefined length and may have a circular, square, rectangular, triangular,and/or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. Thus, a solid sleevemay provide the mechanical support needed to move the first unit intoplace, while also providing the mechanism for attaching the first unitto the wall and for attaching the second unit to the first unit. The oneor more fluid line, electrical line, drive mechanism, and/or anyassociated connectors may be attached to or loosely connected to anexternal surface of the solid sleeve to facilitate insertion of theseelements through the wall to be attached to the corresponding connectorsof the second unit.

The sleeve 170 illustrated in FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, where the sleeve 170 is attached to an external surface ahousing 127 of the first unit 125. However, a sleeve need not beattached to an external surface of a housing of the first unit. In someembodiments, a first end of the sleeve may be inserted into a cavity,hole, receptacle, and/or receiver positioned within the housing of afirst unit. The first end of the sleeve may be secured in place by theuse of one or more welds, screws, and/or any other suitable attachmentmeans. The second end of the sleeve may then be inserted into thechannel of the second unit, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an exemplary air conditioningsystem 100. This air conditioning system 100 provides a separate secondunit 135 and first unit 125, positioned on opposite sides of asupporting wall (not shown). The first unit 125 has a sleeve 170positioned substantially perpendicular to an outside surface of thefirst unit 125. The sleeve 170 is positioned substantiallyconcentrically around a drive mechanism 180. The drive mechanism 180 maybe attached to a motor (not shown) that drives (e.g. rotates) anothermechanical component of the first unit 125, for example a fan (notshown). The sleeve 170 of the first unit 125 may be configured toreversibly move into a channel 160 positioned within the second unit135. The channel 160 may have one or more guiding grooves (230 a and 230b) aligned along the longitudinal axis of the channel 160, where theguiding grooves (230 a and 230 b) are positioned to receive guidingedges (240 a and 240 b) positioned on the outside surface and along thelongitudinal axis of the sleeve 170. In some embodiments, more than onesleeve 170 may be utilized, with each sleeve 170 passing through its owndedicated hole 115 placed in the wall 110, and physically inserting intoits own dedicated channel 160 positioned within the second unit 135.

Thus, reversibly moving the sleeve 170 into the channel 160 requiresthat the sleeve 170 have an outer diameter that is smaller than theinner diameter of the channel 160. Further, the positions of the guidinggrooves (230 a and 230 b) around the circumference of the channel 160may need to substantially match the positions of the guiding edges (240a and 240 b) around the circumference of the sleeve 170 so that eachguiding edge (240 a and 240 b) may slide into its respective guidinggroove (230 a and 230 b). FIG. 3 shows a plurality of receiving holes(200 a and 200 b) penetrating the wall of the sleeve 170. The receivingholes (200 a and 200 b) may be positioned and aligned with at least onearrest mechanism 210 built into the channel 160 of the second unit 135.Thus, the angular position, around the longitudinal axis of the channel160 and the sleeve 170, of the guiding grooves (230 a and 230 b), theguiding edges (240 a and 240 b), the receiving holes (200 a and 200 b),and the arrest mechanism 210, may all be positioned to enable the sleeve170 to move reversibly in and out of the channel 160 at the orientationneeded for the arrest mechanism 210 to move reversibly in and out of thereceiving holes (200 a and 200 b). In addition, the angular positionaround the longitudinal axis of the channel 160 and the sleeve 170, ofthe guiding grooves (230 a and 230 b), the guiding edges (240 a and 240b), the receiving holes (200 a and 200 b), and the arrest mechanism 210,may all be positioned to align and attach shared, connected elements,e.g. drive mechanism 180. So, for the example of FIG. 3, physicallyjoining the second unit 135 with the first unit 125 may begin withaligning the guiding edges (240 a and 240 b) of the sleeve 170 of thefirst unit 125, with the guiding grooves (230 a and 230 b) of thechannel 160 of the second unit 135, and aligning the longitudinal axisof the channel 160 with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 170.Installation may then be completed by applying a force to the first unit125 in a direction along the longitudinal axes of the sleeve 170 and thechannel 160 to move the sleeve 170 into the channel 160. As the sleeve170 moves farther into the channel 160, the arrest mechanisms 210 mayphysically engage the receiving holes 200, to help control the movementof the sleeve 170 into the channel 160. At a predefined insertion depth,the exposed end of the drive mechanism 180 may contact a drive receiver250 positioned at the end of the channel 160. The end of the channel 160within the second unit 135 is referred to herein as a face plate 220.The orientation of the drive mechanism 180 relative to the drivereceiver 250 positioned within the face plate 220, and the insertion ofthe exposed end of the drive mechanism 180 into the drive receiver 250may be controlled by a splined-configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. Otherguide mechanisms may be included as needed to rotate the drive mechanism180 around its longitudinal axis, to allow the opposingsplined-connections to properly mate together. In some embodiments, thesleeve 170, the channel 160, and/or the face plate 220 may include alatching mechanism (not shown) to maintain the final longitudinalposition of the first unit 125 relative the second unit 135.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment where a face plate ispositioned within an interior volume defined by the housing 137 of thesecond unit. Alternatively, a face plate for interfacing and connectingwith a corresponding connecting head may be positioned at the distal endof a second sleeve, where the second sleeve has a proximal end that isphysically attached to the housing of the second unit. Thus, in someembodiments, instead of positioning a channel within the second unit, achannel may be placed within a portion of a second sleeve that extendsfrom the housing of the second unit. The second sleeve may have a wallthat defines an internal cavity, which contains one or more of a fluidline, an electrical line, and/or a drive mechanism. Thus, an exemplaryair conditioning system may be installed by aligning the first sleeve ofthe first unit with the second sleeve of the second unit, along alongitudinal axis, and then inserting the distal end of the first sleeveinto the channel positioned within the distal end of the second sleeve.Insertion results in locking the second unit in place, relative to thefirst unit along the longitudinal axis, and completes at least one of afluid connection, electrical connection, and/or mechanical connectionbetween the first unit and the second unit.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary face plate 220, positioned for examplewithin a channel (not shown) of a second unit (not shown). FIG. 4 showsa cross-sectional view of the channel's inside surfaces, which mayinclude guide grooves (230 a and 230 b) and arrest mechanisms (210 a and210 b) positioned within corresponding arrest tracks (255 a and 255 b).Thus, the arrest mechanisms (210 a and 210 b) may reversible move in theradial direction. Movement of the sleeve (not shown) within the channelmay force the arrest mechanisms (210 a and 210 b) radially away from thelongitudinal axis of the channel and into their respective arrest tracks(225 a and 225 b). As a result the arrest mechanisms (210 a and 210 b)may compress springs (260 a and 260 b) positioned within the arresttracks (255 a and 255 b). When the sleeve is positioned such that itsreceiving holes (not shown) are aligned with a corresponding arrestmechanism (210 a and 210 b), the springs (260 a and 260 b) may force thearrest mechanisms (210 a and 210 b) towards the longitudinal axis of thechannel and into adjacent receiving holes positioned in the sleeve.

The exemplary face plate 220 of FIG. 4 includes a drive receiver 250configured to receive a drive mechanism (not shown). In addition, thisexemplary face plate 220 includes three fluid connectors (270 a, 270 b,and 270 c) and one electrical connector 280, to connect shared connectedelements, such as refrigeration lines, condensate lines, and/or powerlines. Other embodiments may include one or more fluid connectors and/orone or more electrical connectors. In general, every connectorconfigured on the face plate 220 of the channel of a second unit willhave a corresponding connector configured within the sleeve (not shown)of the first unit (not shown) of the air conditioning system. Forexample, each connector placed in the face plate of a channel of asecond unit may include a reversibly sealable hole configured to receivean insertable, mating connector associated with the sleeve of a firstunit. Thus, movement of the sleeve into the channel, where the alignmentof the sleeve within the channel is guided by alignment mechanisms, e.g.guide grooves (230 a and 230 b) and guide edges (not shown), mayfacilitate the simultaneous alignment and attachment of each pair ofconnectors, for each shared connected element.

To summarize for the example of FIG. 4, insertion of the sleeve (notshown) into the channel may result in the simultaneous attachment of afirst fluid connector 270 a with a first mating connector (not shown)configured within the sleeve, where the attachment of the two connectorsallows the transfer of a first fluid (e.g. liquid refrigerant) betweenthe second unit and the first unit. Simultaneously, insertion of thesleeve (not shown) into the channel may result in the simultaneousattachment of a second fluid connector 270 b with a second matingconnector (not shown) configured within the sleeve, where the attachmentof these two connectors allows the transfer of a second fluid (e.g.vaporized refrigerant) between the second unit and the first unit.Simultaneously, insertion of the sleeve into the channel may result inthe simultaneous attachment of a third fluid connector 270 c with athird mating connector (not shown) configured within the sleeve, wherethe attachment of these two connectors allows the transfer of a thirdfluid (e.g. water condensate) between the second unit and the firstunit. Simultaneously, insertion of the sleeve into the channel mayresult in the simultaneous attachment of the electrical connector 280with a mating electrical connector (not shown) configured within thesleeve, where the attachment of these two connectors allows the transferof electrical power and/or signals between the second unit and the firstunit.

FIGS. 5a-c illustrate another embodiment of an air conditioning system100. This exemplary air conditioning system 100 has a separate firstunit 125 and a separate second unit 135, where the second unit 135 andthe first unit 125 are connected by a sleeve 170. The sleeve 170 mayinclude two or more telescoping tubes. The exemplary sleeve 170 of FIG.5c includes three; a first connector tube 500-3, a second connector tube500-4, and a third connector tube 500-6, where each tube has pinsettings adjusted for the wall thickness of the wall (not shown) towhich the air conditioning system 100 is being installed. For exampleeach tube (500-3, 500-4, and 500-6) may have markings on the outsidesurfaces of the tubes that provided installation guides for varying wallthicknesses. A sleeve 170 may also include a locking mechanism 500-5 toset the relative position of the second connector tube 500-4 to thethird connector tube 500-6.

The first connector tube 500-3 may be physically attached to an outsidesurface of either the first unit 125 or the second unit 135 and thethird connector tube 500-6 may be positioned within the remaining unit(either the first unit 125 or the second unit 135), such that when aforce is applied along the longitudinal axis direction of the tubes, thethird connector tube 500-6 and the unit it is connected to (either thefirst unit 125 or the second unit 135) may be pulled along thelongitudinal axis. As described above, a simultaneous radial force mayneed to be applied to an arrest mechanism 210 a positioned within thesecond tube connector 500-4 to temporarily remove the arrest mechanism210 from one or more receiving holes (200 a and 200 b) positioned withinthe first connector tube 500-3. The second connector tube 500-4 may beconnected to the first connector tube 500-3 and the third connector tube500-6 prior to installation, to attain the spacing needed between thesecond unit 135 and the first unit 125, for a particular wall thickness.Then, either the first connector tube 500-3 and/or the third connectortube 500-6 may be collapsed and/or telescoped with the other tubes totightly position the second unit 135 and the first unit 125 in placearound the wall (not shown). The third connector tube 500-6 may alsohave one or more receiver holes 200 c positioned along its longitudinalaxis, such that a corresponding arrest mechanism 210 b positioned at anend of the second connector tube 500-4 may reversibly lock the thirdconnector tube 500-6 into a desired position with the second connectortube 500-4.

In some embodiments, the first installed tube, either the firstconnector tube 500-3 or the third connector tube 500-6, may have afriction mechanism, for example ribs, positioned on their exteriorsurfaces to create a friction connection between that tube and theinside surfaces of the hole penetrating the wall. Such a frictionconnection may prevent the first installed tube from being pushed out ofthe wall, when the other remaining tubes (either the first connectortube 500-3 or the third connector tube 500-6) are connected to the firstinstalled tube.

Referring again to FIGS. 5a and 5b , the elements of the sleeve 170 maytelescope into each other as the first unit 125 and the second unit 135are moved closer to one another (FIG. 5b shows the first unit 125positioned closer to the second unit 135, along the longitudinal axis).Once the second installed tube (either the first connector tube 500-3 orthe third connector tube 500-6) is secured to the first installed tube,for example, with the assistance of an outer locking collar 500-1, asolid, immobile installation of the air conditioning system 100 to itsmounting wall, may be achieved. In some cases, an inner locking collar500-2 may be rigidly attached to the first connector tube 500-3.Alternatively, an inner locking collar 500-2 may slide over the firstconnector tube 500-3 and lock into place using spring pin holespositioned within the first connector tube 500-3. In either case, oncethe inner locking collar 500-2 is in the desired position, the outerlocking collar 500-1 may be moved (e.g. by spinning it around guidingthreads—not shown), causing mechanical advantage to push against thebody of either the first connector tube 500-3 or the third connectortube 500-6 to pull all of the components of the sleeve 170 further intothe body of the tube having the inner locking collar 500-2 positionedwithin it. In this way, the sleeve 170 may pull together the two tubes,the first connector tube 500-3 and the third connector tube 500-6, andtighten them against the wall. Friction may then help support the entiresleeve 170 and the air conditioning system 100 on the wall. The lockingcollars (500-1 and 500-2) may lock in place using a camming action orother positive stop shape and/or mechanism such that when the desiredtension is reached, the locking collars may lock in place rather thanloosening after the installer stops tightening the device. An example ofan outer locking collar 500-1 is shown in FIG. 5d . In some embodimentsof the present disclosure, a sleeve may comprise from 2 to 10telescoping connector tubes. In some embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a sleeve may comprise from 2 to 10 telescoping connectortubes. In some embodiments, a sleeve may have a length between about 3inches and about 12 inches. In some embodiments, a connector tube mayhave a length between about 3 inches and about 12 inches. In someembodiments, connector tubes may be connected to each other usingthreaded couplings to attach adjacent ends of the connector tubes. Insome embodiments, telescoping and/or connected connector tubes mayutilize gaskets and/or o-rings to facilitate creating compression and/orfriction to lock the connector tubes into a desired orientation and/orlength.

FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate elements of a modular air conditioning system100 and how they may be used to install the air conditioning system 100on an external wall 110 of a building (not shown). For example, a firstunit 125 may have a sleeve 170 extending from a housing of the firstunit 125. The sleeve 170 may include a telescoping second connector tube500-4 that is reversibly and/or movably extendable from the insideportion of a first connector tube 500-3. The sleeve 170 may be insertedthrough a hole (not shown) that has been created in the wall 110, suchthat the sleeve 170 may be inserted completely through the wall 110,from the exterior surface of the wall 110 to protrude from the interiorsurface of the wall 110. Thus, the first unit 125 may be physicallysupported by the insertion of the sleeve 170 through the hole in thewall 110. In addition, a securement plate 600 may be physicallyattached/secured to the interior surface of the wall 110. The securementplate 600 may have a hole positioned within the securement plate 600that may be aligned with the hole in the wall, such that the distal endof the sleeve 170 may pass through the hole of the securement plate 600.Once the distal end of the sleeve 170 is positioned as desired, and thehousing of the first unit 125 is positioned against a surface of thewall 110, the first unit 125 may be secured in place by the use of anouter locking collar 500-1 that fits around the outer circumference ofthe at least one of the first connector tube 500-3 and/or the secondconnector tube 500-4. An outer locking collar 500-1 may include afitting (e.g. threads, ratchet, quick disconnect, etc.) that enables theouter locking collar 500-1 to move the securement plate 600 into closeproximity with the wall 110, thereby compressing the wall 110 betweenthe housing of the first unit 125 and the securement plate 600. Finally,once the first unit 125 has been secured to the wall 110, by theinsertion of the sleeve 170 through the wall 110, through the securementplate 600, and by the movement of the outer locking collar 500-1 aroundthe distal end of the sleeve 170, the second unit 135 may be secured tothe air conditioning system 100 by insertion of the distal end of thesleeve 170 into a channel 160 positioned in the second unit 135.

FIG. 7 illustrates some of the elements of an exemplary first unit 125,including a sleeve 170, and a first connector tube 500-3 and a secondconnector tube 500-4 of the sleeve 170, similar to those describedabove. As shown in FIG. 7, a first unit 125 may have a sleeve 170 thatextends from a portion of the housing of the first unit 125. Inaddition, a first unit 125 may contain a number of mechanical featureswithin the unit's housing, including a fan motor (not shown), a firstfan 700, a heat exchanger 710, a compressor 740, a reversing valve 730(so the unit can provide heating as well and cooling), and at least onerefrigerant expansion device such as a capillary tube, fixed orifice,thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) and/or electronic expansion valve(EXV). Refrigerant is compressed to increase temperature, which thenflows through a heat exchanger to reject heat. After the heat exchanger,the refrigerant passes through an expansion device (e.g. a valve) todecrease temperature, after which the refrigerant then flows into anevaporator. Utility lines 720, (e.g. fluid lines, refrigerant lines,condensate lines, and/or electrical lines) may be bundled together andpositioned within the internal volume of the sleeve 170. In someembodiments, the utility lines 720 may be positioned within flexibletubing 760, which may then be positioned within the internal volume ofthe sleeve 170. FIG. 7 also illustrates that the sleeve 170 may achievethe same mechanical functionality as the sleeve 170 illustrated in FIG.2, such that the sleeve 170 may extend from the housing of the firstunit 125 and may be inserted into a receiving channel 160 (see FIG. 2)positioned within the second unit 135. Thus, the sleeve 170, in the formof a sleeve 170, may provide the physical pathway for the utility lines720, so that the first unit 125 and the second unit 135 may be in fluidconnection, mechanical connection, and/or electrical connection witheach other. FIG. 7 also illustrates that the sleeve 170 may terminatewith a connecting head 770 that includes one or more connectors (780a-780 d), for example, connectors for transporting fluids and/orelectricity. Thus, the connecting head 770 illustrated in FIG. 7 mayalign with and mechanically engage a corresponding face plate positionedwithin a channel in the second unit 135 (see reference numbers 160 and220 of FIGS. 3 and 4).

FIG. 7 illustrates a connecting head 770 positioned at the distal end ofa sleeve 170 of a first unit 125 and FIG. 4 illustrates a correspondingface plate 220 positioned within the channel 160 positioned within asecond unit 135. These elements are provided in some cases to facilitatepositioning and alignment of the first parts of connectors (e.g. fluid,electrical, mechanical) of the first unit with the corresponding secondparts of the connectors (e.g. fluid, electrical, mechanical) of thesecond unit, such that insertion of the sleeve 170 into the channel 160automatically positions and aligns the first parts and the second parts,and locking the sleeve 170 into the final desired position with thechannel 160 connects the first parts and the second parts to achieve atleast one of a fluid connection, and electrical connection, and/or amechanical connection. However, in some embodiments, a sleeve 170 mayterminate with connectors where the connectors are not arranged in aspecific orientation on a connecting head 770. Similarly, in someembodiments, a channel 160 may terminate with connectors where theconnectors are not arranged in a specific orientation on a securementplate 600.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a modular airconditioning system 100, in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure. The HVAC system 100 shown in FIG. 8 represents onlyone example of a modular air conditioning system, and various othermodular air conditioning systems may be used.

In the example of FIG. 8, the air conditioning system 100 includes afirst unit 125, a second unit 135, and a sleeve 170. The first unit 125may include a motor 800 and a first fan 700. The second unit 135 mayinclude a second fan 810. While shown in the example of FIG. 8 as beingincluded in the first unit 125, the motor 800 may, in some examples, beincluded in the second unit 135 instead. That is, in various examples, amotor 800 may be included in either a first unit 125 or in a second unit135. In some embodiments, the first unit 125 and the second unit 135 mayeach have at least one dedicated motor.

The first unit 125 and the second unit 135, as shown in the example ofFIG. 8, are on opposite sides of a wall 110. The first unit 125 and thesecond unit 135 are connected by a sleeve 170, which runs through thewall 110. In some examples, the sleeve 170 may be inserted through ahole in the wall 110. In some examples, the sleeve 170 may includetubing and/or pipe and/or duct, such as flexible tubing or rigid tubingthat protects one or more cables, pipes, or other structures passingthrough the sleeve 170.

In the example of FIG. 8, the motor 800 may be an electrical motorpowered by an electrical connection (not shown) connected to the firstunit 125. In some examples, the motor 800 may be another kind of motor.The motor 800, in the example of FIG. 8, is connected to the first fan700. For instance, the motor 800 may be permanently fixed to the firstfan 700 such that rotation of the motor 800 may cause the first fan 700to spin. Thus, increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor 800 mayincrease or decrease the speed of the first fan 700.

In the example of FIG. 8, the sleeve 170 houses a drive mechanism 180;e.g. a mechanical drive shaft. The drive mechanism 180 connects themotor 800 of the first unit 125 to the second fan 810 of the second unit135. In some examples, the drive mechanism 180 may be a rigid driveshaft, such as an axle made of metal or other material. In someexamples, drive mechanism 180 may be flexible or otherwise non-rigid.For instance, a mechanical drive shaft may be a flexible, wire-like cordencased in flexible plastic tubing. In other words, the drive mechanism180 may be any component capable of transmitting mechanical angularenergy from the motor 800 to the second fan 810, thereby enabling themotor 800 to cause the second fan 810 to spin. Thus, increasing ordecreasing the speed of the motor 800 may also increase or decrease thespeed of the first fan 700 and/or the second fan 810.

In some examples, the drive mechanism 180 may include u-joints,continuous velocity joints, gears, cogs, sprockets, or any other methodof transferring mechanical angular energy. For instance, though shown inthe example of FIG. 8 as moving only horizontally, a drive mechanism 180may, in other examples, additionally or alternatively traverse avertical distance between the motor 800 and the second fan 810. In somesuch examples, the motor 800 may be connected to a vertical shaft thatends in a beveled gear that interacts with another beveled gear in orderto transfer the angular energy to a horizontal shaft that is connectedto the second fan 810.

In some examples, sleeve 170 may additionally or alternatively houseother components, such as components allowing for the transfer of one ormore fluids (e.g. coolant, refrigerant, condensate, etc.) between thefirst unit 125 and the second unit 135, and/or components allowing forthe transfer of energy/power (e.g. electricity) between the first unit125 and the second unit 135, or other components. The sleeve 170 may, insome examples, also be used as a fastener or mounting bracket for theair conditioning system 100. For instance, instead of the first unit 125being mounted to one side of a wall 110 and the second unit 135 beingmounted to the other side of the wall 110, the first unit 125 and thesecond unit 135 may be attached to one another via the sleeve 170 (or byone or more connecting mechanisms), thereby allowing for easy mountingof the air conditioning system 100 to the wall 110. That is, a sleeve170 may, in some examples, additionally serve as a mounting bracket fora modular air conditioning system 100.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating example configurations 900A-900C(collectively “vertical configurations 900”) and 910A-910C (collectively“horizontal configurations 910”) of a modular air conditioning system,in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As oneexample, the vertical configurations 900 and the horizontal 910 may eachbe a configuration of modular air conditioning system 100 as describedwith respect to the example of FIG. 8.

As shown in the example of FIG. 9, the vertical configurations 900 maypresent a side view of a modular air conditioning system. The horizontalconfigurations 910 may present a top view of a modular air conditioningsystem. The vertical configurations 900 and the horizontalconfigurations 910 represent only a small sample of possibleconfigurations, and various other configurations may be possible inother examples. The vertical configurations 900 and/or the horizontalconfigurations 910 may show only a subset of connections between a firstunit 125 and a second unit 135. For instance, while shown as a singlesleeve 170 in each of vertical configurations 900, multiple connectingmechanisms 500 may be present in various example configurations.

As shown in vertical configuration 900 a, a first unit 125 and a secondunit 135 may be at substantially the same height, and the sleeve 170 maybe near the bottom of both the first unit 125 and the second unit 135.As shown in vertical configuration 900 b, the first unit 125 may behigher than the second unit 135, and the sleeve 170 may be connected inthe vertically overlapping regions of the first unit 125 and the secondunit 135. As shown in vertical configuration 900 c, the sleeve 170 maybe near the top of each of the first unit 125 and the second unit 135.

As shown in horizontal configuration 910 a, a first unit 125 and asecond unit 135 may be connected via sleeve 170 near the center of thefirst unit 125 and the second unit 135. As shown in horizontalconfiguration 910 b, a first unit 125 and a second unit 135 may beconnected via two connecting mechanisms (500 a and 500 b), both disposednear the sides of the first unit 125 and the second unit 135. As shownin horizontal configuration 910 c, a first unit 125 and a second unit135 may be connected via two connecting mechanisms (500 a and 500 b),disposed near opposite sides of the first unit 125 and the second unit135, and traversing horizontally between the first unit 125 and thesecond unit 135.

In each of the vertical configurations 900 a-c and horizontalconfiguration 910 a, a drive mechanism 180 may be included in the sleeve170. In both of the horizontal configurations 910 a and 910 b, a drivemechanism 180 may be included in sleeve 170 a, sleeve 170 b, or in bothconnecting mechanisms (500 a and 500 b). That is, in some examples,there may be more than one drive mechanism 180 connecting a first unit125 and a second unit 135.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary air conditioning system 100 thatincludes a second unit 135 and a first unit 125. The air conditioningsystem 100 has several shared, connected elements, including a drivemechanism 180. Each unit of the air conditioning system 100, the secondunit 135 and the first unit 125, have matching shared, connectedelements that are attached using connectors. For example, the secondunit 135 has an electrical line 310 a that is attached to acorresponding electrical line 310 b of the first unit 125, usingelectrical connector 280 a. In addition, the second unit 135 has anotherelectrical line 310 c that is attached to a corresponding electricalline 310 d of the first unit 125, using electrical connector 280 b. Inaddition, the second unit 135 has a fluid line 300 a that is attached toa corresponding fluid line 300 b of the first unit 125, using fluidconnector 270. In addition, the second unit 135 has a refrigerant line320 a that is attached to a corresponding refrigerant line 320 b of thefirst unit 125, using a refrigerant connector (not shown). Thus, each ofthese connectors enable the transfer of power (e.g. electricity) andfluids (e.g. refrigerant, condensate) between the second unit 135 andthe first unit 125.

FIG. 11 illustrates a closer view of the exemplary air conditioningsystem 100 shown in FIG. 10 where the refrigerant connector 290 isvisible.

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate an exemplary first unit 125 and anexemplary second unit 135 respectively of an exemplary modular airconditioning system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 12a shows a sleeve 170 (and/or sleeve 170) extending from thehousing of the first unit 125. The sleeve 170, as described above, maybe inserted through a hole in a wall (not shown) to provide thestructural support needed to position the first unit 125 in the desiredlocation. Contained within the sleeve 170 are fluid lines (300 a and 300b) terminated with the first parts of two fluid connectors (270 a and270 b), and electrical lines (310 a and 310 b) terminated with the firstpart of an electrical connector 280 a. FIG. 12a illustrates that thefluid lines (300 a and 300 b) may be positioned within flexible tubing760. FIG. 12b shows the corresponding fluid lines (300 c and 300 d),electrical line 280 b, the second parts of the fluid connectors (270 cand 270 d), and the second part of the electrical connector 280 b. Thus,the first part and second part of each connector may physically alignand join together to complete a fluid, mechanical, and/or electricalconnection. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the firstpart(s) and second part(s) of a connector(s) may physically jointogether (e.g. to make a liquid seal, to link opposite sides of a driveshaft, and/or to complete an electrical circuit) by the act ofplacing/moving the second unit 135 into the desired position relative tothe first unit 125. For example, referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3,insertion of the sleeve 170 of the first unit 125 into the channel 160of the second unit 135 may bring the connecting head 770 (see FIG. 7) atthe distal end of the sleeve 170 into physical contact with the faceplate 220 positioned within the channel 160 of the second unit 135. Thiscontacting of the face plate 220 with the connecting head 770, mayposition, align, and physically connect the opposing parts of one ormore connectors (e.g. fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical) such thatthe first unit 125 and the second unit 135 are subsequently in fluid,mechanical, and/or electrical communication. FIG. 13 illustrates anexemplary modular air conditioning system 100 that may result from theelements and installation steps described above for FIGS. 12a and 12 b.

The present disclosure provides connecting devices for reversiblyconnecting or coupling two conduits together. The present disclosurealso describes systems and applications that utilize such fluidconnectors, including for example, space conditioning systems forstructures such as buildings or homes. Modular systems are alsodescribed that may be suitable for buildings ranging from low load homesto large multifamily buildings. In some embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a modular space conditioning system (e.g. air conditioningsystem) may be configured for small residential buildings, smallcommercial buildings, large commercial or industrial buildings, as wellas any other structure that may benefit from space conditioning. Forexample, other suitable structures that may be conditioned by some ofthe embodiments described herein include transportation vehicles such asbuses, trucks, trains, boats, planes, shipping containers and ships.

Some of the air conditioning systems described herein may include acondenser unit and an evaporator unit separated and connected by aconnecting mechanism, where the connecting mechanism may be configuredto minimize both the amount of fluid contained in the air conditioningsystem, the amount of potential fluid lost from the air conditioningsystem (e.g. the condenser unit and/or evaporator unit), and the amountof air introduced into the air conditioning system during installation.However, some embodiments of fluid connectors described herein mayprovide benefits to any system or application that requires isolatingfluids contained within their respective physical elements from thesurrounding environment. For example, systems utilizing toxic orcorrosive fluids may benefit from the fluid connector systems describedherein, as well as applications requiring the use of sterile and/orsanitary fittings. Other benefits of the fluid connectors describedherein include minimal pressure drop due to fluid flow through the fluidconnector, and the ability to utilize both parts of the fluid connectorin both vacuum and/or pressure conditions, while the two parts arephysically connected and/or separated. These advantages may enable thesystems that utilize the fluid connectors to be portable and modular,and to be supplied to the end user or consumer pre-charged with theworking fluid of choice; e.g. refrigerant for an air conditioning case.In addition, some of the fluid connectors described herein may becoupled and/or decoupled while under pressure and/or vacuum withoutmixing the fluids contained within the fluid connectors and/or conduitwith each other and/or without mixing with the fluid in the outsideenvironment.

FIGS. 14a and 14b provide an exemplary embodiment of a fluid connector1100 for connecting two separate conduits together to create a singlecontinuous flow path for a fluid through both conduits and the fluidconnector 1100. The fluid connector 1100 has two separate parts that aremechanically and reversibly connected to one another. For illustrativepurposes, FIGS. 14a and 14b show both parts 1110 and 1180 aligned alonga longitudinal reference axis. The first part 1110 includes a wall 1130defined by a proximal end and a distal end, which further define alength for the wall 1130, where the length is substantially parallel tothe longitudinal axis. The wall 1130 may be configured in a circularshape, or any other suitable shape, which is positioned around thelongitudinal axis to form an internal fluid channel 1135. The fluidchannel 1135 includes a first wide portion positioned towards theproximal end of the wall 1130 and defined by a length D_(w), and asecond narrow portion positioned towards the distal end of the wall 1130and defined by a length D_(n). The wide portion and the narrow portionare connected together by a tapered portion to create a continuousinside surface for the wall 1130 and the internal fluid channel 1135.The wall 1130 also includes a second contact surface 1174 that may bepositioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis andfacing the distal direction.

The first part 1110 of the fluid connector 1100 also includes a plug1170 with a first contact surface 1172. The first contact surface 1172may also be positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis and facing the distal direction. The plug 1170 is reversiblymoveable between at least two positions, a disconnected and sealedposition, and a connected position, represented by FIGS. 14a and 14brespectively. In the first position, FIG. 14a , the plug 1170 ispositioned within the portion of the fluid channel 1135 defined by thenarrow length D_(n). In this first position, the plug 1170 forms aliquid seal between the opposing radial surfaces of the plug 1170 andthe narrow portion of the wall 1130. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the formation of the liquid seal may be assisted by the useof o-rings, gaskets, and the like (not shown). Thus, while in thedisconnected position (FIG. 14a ), the plug 1170 may create a fluid sealsufficient to operate the conduit on the proximal side and the firstpart 1110 while under significant pressure and/or under vacuum. Forexample, operating pressures within the first part 1110 may be up to 500psia and/or less than 14.7 psia.

The second part 1180 of the fluid connector 1100 includes a wall 1190with a distal end and a proximal end. The wall 1190 of the second part1180 may be aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, andpositioned around the axis to form an internal fluid channel 1195. Thesecond part 1180 includes a plug 2010 positioned along and parallel tothe longitudinal axis. The plug has a first contact surface 1192 thatmay be configured substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axisand facing the distal direction. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the plug 2010 is positioned along the longitudinal axis suchthat its first contact surface 1192 faces the first contact surface 1172of the first part 1110. The plug 2010 is configured to form an annularspace between itself and the inside surface of the wall 1190. The secondpart 1180 includes a ring 2050, which includes a second contact surface2020 positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis andfacing the distal direction. The ring 2050 is reversibly moveablebetween the two positions, as shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b . In the firstposition, FIG. 14a , the ring 2050 is positioned substantially withinthe annual space defined by the inside surface of the wall 1190 and theplug 2010, such that a liquid seal is created between the opposingradially oriented surfaces of the plug 2010 and the ring 2050. A liquidseal may also exist between the opposing radially oriented surfaces ofthe ring 2050 and the inside surface of the wall 1190. In someembodiments of the present invention, one or both of these liquid sealsmay be assisted by the use of o-rings, gaskets, or any other suitablesealing mechanism (not shown). Thus, while in the unconnected position(FIG. 14a ) the ring 2050 may create a fluid seal sufficient to operatethe conduit on the distal side of the second part 1180 under significantpressure and/or under vacuum. For example, operating pressures withinthe second part 1180 may be up to 500 psia and/or less than 14.7 psia.

FIG. 14b illustrates the second connected, position for both the firstpart 1110 and the second part 1180, after the two parts have been joinedto form a sealed fluid connector 1100 for transferring fluid from oneconduit to another. In some embodiments of the present invention, thefirst part 1110 and the second part 1180 are physically connected toeach other by a reversible mechanism, which may include, for example,complementary threads, slot and groove mechanisms, quick disconnectmechanisms, and/or any other suitable connecting mechanism. In theprocess of connecting the two parts, a second contact surface 1174 ofthe wall 1130 of the first part 1110 pushes against the opposing secondcontact surface 2020 of the ring 2050 of the second part 1180. As aresult, the ring 2050 is displaced in the longitudinal direction towardsthe distal end of the wall 1190 of the second part 1180. Simultaneously,the first contact surface 1172 of the plug 1170 of the first part 1110is brought into contact with the first contact surface 1192 of the plug2010 of the second part 1180. This results in the plug 2010 of thesecond part 1180 displacing the plug 1170 of the first part 1110 intothe wider portion of the fluid channel 1135, in the proximal direction.As shown in FIG. 14b , once the second position is fully attained, bothplugs 1170 and 2010 are positioned substantially within the wide radiusportion of the fluid channel 1135 of the second part 1110. This resultsin the formation of a continuous, uninterrupted flow path for fluid totake from the distal conduit, through the second part 1180, through thefirst part 1110, and through the proximal conduit to its destinationdownstream. Alternatively, depending on the differential pressures inthe system, flow may move from the proximal conduit to the distalconduit.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the mechanismof joining the first part 1110 and the second part 1180 will minimizefluid loss from the system (e.g. the conduits), while also minimizingthe introduction of air or any other external fluid into the system.This may be achieved largely due to the alignment and interaction of theopposing contact surfaces, as well as due to the movement of the twoplugs, along the longitudinal axis, within the fluid channels of thefluid connector 1100.

The reverse scenario, disconnecting the two parts of the fluid connector1100, results in the interruption of fluid flow. Disconnecting the firstpart 1110 from the second part 1180, results in both plug 1170 and plug2010 moving (relative to the wide portion of fluid channel 1135) inunison along the longitudinal axis in the distal direction. In so doing,both plugs 1170 and 2010 are withdrawn from the wide portion (defined byD_(w)) of the fluid channel 1135 of the first part 1110. Plug 1170 ofthe first part 1110 is returned to its sealing position in the narrowportion (defined by DO of the fluid channel 1135, while simultaneously,the ring 2050 of the second part is repositioned in its sealing positionwithin the annular space between the plug 2010 and the inside surface ofthe wall 1190 of the second part. The end result is that the proximalconduit, and liquid therein, are isolated from the distal conduit andthe environment by the fluid seal created between the plug 1170 and theinside surface of the wall 1130 of the first piece. Simultaneously, thedistal conduit, and the liquid therein, are isolated from the proximalconduit and the environment by the fluid seals created between the plug2010, the ring 2050, and the inside surface of the wall 1190 of thesecond part 1180.

FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate additional features of some embodiments ofthe present invention, where both positions are shown again, with afirst unconnected position (FIG. 15a ) and a second connected position(FIG. 15b ). The first part 1110 may include a collapsible resistanceelement 1160, which may be positioned along the longitudinal axis.Examples of a collapsible resistance element 1160 include a spring, apiston, a magnetic mechanism, and/or any other suitable resistanceelement. For the case of a spring, the distal end of the spring may beattached to a proximal surface of the plug 1170, and the proximal end ofthe spring may be attached to a stationary stop 1175. The purpose of thestop 1175 is to prevent the collapsible resistance element 1160 and theplug 1170 from being irreversibly displaced into the proximal conduitupon joining of the first part 1110 with the second part 1180 of thefluid connector 1100. Examples of a suitable stop 1175 include any kindof structural support that allows the flow of fluid through the fluidconnector 1100. Examples of suitable stops 1175 for securing theproximal end of a collapsible resistance element include one or moresupport bars, rods, or wires. Another example of a stop 1175 may be awire mesh.

The first part 1110 may also include a moveable collar 1120 positionedaround the wall 1130. Examples of a moveable collar 1120 include a nutor a flange. In some cases, the collar 1120 may form an annular spacebetween an inside surface of the collar 1120 and an outside surface ofthe wall 1130 of the first part 1110. In addition, the collar 1120 mayalso include threading (not shown) positioned along an inside surface ofthe collar 1120. Such threading may reversibly connect with threading(not shown) positioned on the outside surface of the wall 1190 of thesecond part 1180. However, a mechanism other than threading may beprovided on both the first part 1110 and the second part 1180 to enablethe reversible joining of the two parts; e.g. slot-and-groove, quickdisconnecting hardware, etc.

Referring again to FIGS. 15a and 15b , the second part 1180 may alsoinclude a collapsible resistance element 2030 positioned along thelongitudinal axis and between a distal surface of the ring 2050 and astop 1175. Examples of a collapsible resistance element 2030 include aspring, a piston, a magnetic mechanism, and/or any other suitableresistance element. For the case of a spring, the proximal end of thespring may be attached to a distal surface of the ring 2050, and thedistal end of the spring may be attached to a stationary stop 1175. Thepurpose of the stop 1175 is to prevent the collapsible resistanceelement 2030 and the ring 2050 from being irreversibly displaced intothe distal conduit upon joining of the first part 1110 with the secondpart 1180 of the fluid connector 1100. Examples of a suitable stop 1175include any kind of structural support that allows the flow of fluidthrough the fluid connector 1100. Examples of suitable stops 1175 forsecuring the proximal end of a collapsible resistance element includeone or more support bars, rods, or wires. Another example of a stop 1175may be a wire mesh.

The second part 1180 may include a rigid resistance element 2040positioned substantially along the longitudinal axis, with a proximalend (not called out) connected to a distal surface (not called out) ofthe plug 2010, and with a distal end connected to a stop 1175. A rigidresistance element 2040 may be, for example, a bar, a rod, or any otherphysical element capable of holding plug 2010 in a substantially fixedposition, relative to the wall 1190 of the second part 1180. The purposeof the stop 1175 is to prevent the plug 2010 and the rigid resistanceelement 2040 from being irreversibly displaced into the distal conduitupon joining/connecting of the first part 1110 with the second part 1180of the fluid connector 1100. In some cases the stop used to helpmaintain the position of ring 2050 and the collapsible resistanceelement 2030, and the stop used to maintain the position of the plug2010 and the rigid resistance element 2040 may be the same stop 1175 (asshown in FIGS. 15a and 15b ). Alternatively, one or more stops may beused to maintain the positions of the various elements of the secondpart 1180.

FIG. 15b illustrates the relationships and positions of the variouselements of one embodiment of the present invention, when the first part1110 and the second part 1180 are joined to make a sealed fluidconnector 1100 that connects the proximal conduit and the distalconduit, to allow fluid flow between the two. The joining of the twoparts 1110 and 1180 of the fluid connector 1100 may begin by aligningthe various contact surfaces along the longitudinal axis, and thenpressing the contact surfaces together. Specifically, as described inFIGS. 14a and 14b above, the process of connecting the two parts maybegin by orienting the first contact surface 1172 of plug 1170 such thatit opposes and faces the first contact surface 1192 of plug 2010, whilesimultaneously orienting the second contact surface 1174 of wall 1130such that it opposes and faces the second contact surface 2020 of ring2050. With this alignment achieved, the two parts 1110 and 1180 may bejoined by physically pressing the two parts 1110 and 1180 together.Sufficient force may need to be applied to at least overcome the forcessupplied by collapsible resistance elements 1160 and 2030. In the caseof threaded components, sufficient force to join the two parts 1110 and1180 may be achieved by rotating collar 1120 around the longitudinalaxis. The collar 1120 may be held in a fixed position relative to thelongitudinal direction and relative to the wall 1130, by providing a lip1150 on the proximal end of the collar 1120 that inserts into a catch1140 located on an outside surface of the wall 1130.

As the first part 1110 and the second part 1180 are drawn together (e.g.by the rotation of a threaded collar 1120 engaged with complementarythreads located on the outside surface of wall 1190, threads not shown),plug 2010 may be moved in the proximal direction, relative to the wall1130 of the first part 1110. As plug 2010 moves in the proximaldirection, it compresses collapsible resistance element 1160, allowingthe simultaneous movement of plug 1170 in the proximal direction,finally resulting in the placement of both plugs 1170 and 2010 withinthe wide portion of the fluid channel 1135. At the same time, as plug2010 moves into the fluid channel 1135 of the first part 1110, thedistal end of wall 1130 moves in the distal direction relative to thewall 1190 of the second part 1180 and, in so doing, compressescollapsible resistance element 2030 and moves ring 2050 in the distaldirection relative to wall 1190. The result is an unobstructed path forfluid (e.g. refrigerant) through the fluid channel 1135 of the firstpart 1110 and the fluid channel 1195 of the second part 1180, and aleak-free connection between the first part 1110 and the second part1180.

The leak-free connection between the first part 1110 and the second part1180 of the fluid connector 1100 may be disconnected in a similarfashion. The plug 2010 of the second part 1180 may be withdrawn from thefluid channel 1135 of the first part 1110 by moving the plug 1170 in theproximal direction relative to wall 1130 of the first part 1110. Forexample, for a collar 1120 configured with threads (not shown) engagingcomplementary threads (not shown) positioned on the outside surface ofthe wall 1190, rotation of the collar 1120 around the longitudinal axismay result in the removal of the wall 1190 from the annular spacecreated by the collar 1120 and the wall 1130. As the wall 1190 in thisexample is physically connected to the stop 1175, the rigid resistanceelement 2040, and the plug 2010, movement of the wall 1190 in the distaldirection causes corresponding movement in each of these elements.However, the ring 2050 remains pressed against the distal end of thewall 1130 of the first part 1110, due to the forces provided by thecollapsible resistance element 2030, until the wall 1190 of the secondpart 1180 is completely removed from the collar 1120 of the first part1110. Once this is achieved, and the wall 1190 is completely removedfrom at least the threaded portion of the collar 1120, and the plug 2010is repositioned within the ring 2050 of the second part to reform theliquid seal of the second part 1180. In addition, the plug 1170 of thefirst part 1110 is repositioned within the narrow portion of the fluidchannel 1135 of the first part 1110 to reform the liquid seal of thefirst part 1110.

The process of joining and disconnecting the two parts of the fluidconnector may be repeated as needed for a particular application. Forexample, for an air conditioning application, the fluid connector may bejoined together only once, and may be only disconnected at the end ofthe system's life. In some embodiments of the present invention, a fluidconnector may have circular seals that allow for the removal of air whenpressed together. Fluid connectors may also have two or more componentsthat may be threaded together, such that when the threads are tightened,opposing rigid elements and compressible elements result in the creationof a continuous fluid path through the fluid connector that preventsexposure of the fluid to the ambient environment. In some embodiments ofthe present invention, fluid connectors may be configured withsufficient cross sectional areas to minimize pressure drops through thefluid connectors due to the flow of fluids through the fluid connectors.

Another embodiment of the present invention is provided in FIGS. 16a and16b . In this example, at least three seals separate the externalenvironment from the fluids contained in the tube or pipe. A face seal2060 c may form an initial seal that may prevent any further contactbetween wetted parts and external environment. This aspect is importantfor many applications, including refrigeration applications, because airmust be substantially absent from the refrigerant. Another seal 2060 bprevents leakage of fluid from the internal volume to the externalenvironment when the two parts of the fluid connector have not yet beenjoined. Situations where the two parts may not be connected includeduring storage of the system using the fluid connector (e.g. in thewarehouse), during transit or shipping of the system, or during anyother suitable or required period.

In some embodiments, the fluid connector may include physical stops thatengage the plugs to limit their movement to pre-defined zones. Inaddition to preventing, for example, the plugs from exiting theirrespective fluid channels, stops may also help provide better fluidseals during operation (connected) and during periods of non-use(disconnected). Note that FIG. 16b shows fluid flow in the proximaldirection. This is for illustrative purposes and flow may be in eitherdirection; e.g. in the distal direction or in the proximal direction.

FIG. 17 illustrates an air conditioning system that may incorporate afluid connector 1100 similar to the ones describe above. Theconditioning system may include an evaporator and a condenser positionedon opposite sides of a wall. The evaporator and the condenser may beconnected by at least two refrigerant lines, at least one condensateline, and at least one electrical line. The refrigerant line and/or thecondensate lines may include a fluid connector as described herein, toallow the evaporator and the condenser to be shipped separately, fullycharged with their operating fluids. Upon arrival at the point of use,the evaporator and the condenser may be joined by configuring the fluidconnectors 1100, as described above.

Referring again to FIG. 17, the relative position or height of theevaporator and condenser may be chosen to facilitate condensate drainageaway from the evaporator. The condenser may be equipped with handles tofacilitate installation from inside the structure, for example, througha window. An additional structure such as a cradle may be provided withthe evaporator and/or condenser to further assist with installation. Onepossible mounting location is under a window, which may allow thecondenser to be lifted through a window from the inside and more easilymounted than from outside the structure. In some embodiments, thecondenser may be configured to have a low profile away from the wallthat it is mounted to. This may decrease mounting force and improve thevisual appearance and aesthetics of the system. The conditioning systemmay include a paintable casing that may be painted to better matchstructure exteriors. In some embodiments of the present invention, theconditioning system may be configured to be mounted in a window, whilestill allowing the window to be substantially closed. Any remaining openarea of the window may be filled with an insulating material such asextruded polystyrene foam. However, some embodiments of the presentinvention do not require a window at all and instead may be mounteddirectly to a wall.

The refrigeration and/or condensate lines that extend through a wall orpartition may be equipped with flanges or similar devices to assist withmaintaining the condenser or evaporator in the desired position on thewall during installation. In some cases, both the condenser and theevaporator may be mounted on a wall. In other scenarios, one or both ofthe condenser and evaporator may be placed on the ground or a floor,such that the two components are connected using longer refrigerationand/or condensate lines that extend up to a window. Alternatively, holesthrough the wall may be made at whatever level the condenser andevaporator are positioned, to minimize the lengths of piping and conduitneeded to connect the two together.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an air conditioning systemmay be in wireless and/or wired communication with one or more other airconditioning systems in the structure to facilitate coordinated spaceconditioning. Some systems may also include occupancy sensors and/orcomplex control algorithms to enable remote and/or autonomous controland operation of the air conditioning. Such system may be envisioned asmultiple “nodes” where node includes an evaporator and a condenserconnected together by at least one of the fluid connectors describedabove.

In some examples, the modular conditioning systems describe herein maybe pre-charged with their working fluids to eliminate or minimize theneed for adding or adjusting the fluid charge to the system at theinstallation site. This feature may eliminate the requirement for aprofessional or certified installer, making these systems more appealingto the do-it-yourself homeowner. Alternatively, the evaporator orcondenser may be evacuated rather than charged with refrigerant ifdesired. For a system that includes multiple nodes, each individual nodemay be adjusted as needed.

The present disclosure provides embodiments of modular air conditioningsystems. These systems may be separated into a condenser unit and anevaporator unit (or air handler). However, the air conditioning systemsdescribed herein have, among other features, the simplicity of drivingmechanical components (e.g., fans) in both units using one or moremotors. A single motor embodiment may offer design simplifications andcost savings, compared to systems utilizing two motors. Thus, in someembodiments of the present disclosure, air conditioning systems mayprovide a significant advancement in decreased system complexity. As aresult, such air conditioning systems may reduce the cost ofmanufacturing. Furthermore, the unified drive mechanism described hereinmay enable expanded mounting and locating abilities for various airconditioners.

In some embodiments described herein, the evaporator and condenser fansmay be powered utilizing a single shaft from a single motor. Such airconditioning systems may be made of separable components. A shaftconnection may have one or more universal joints (u-joints) or may driveone fan via a flexible drive cable to account for imperfect alignmentbetween an evaporator unit and condenser unit. Such flexibility may beused when the units are separated by a wall in a building, which may nothave perfectly parallel sides.

The modular air conditioning systems described herein may leveragelow-cost, mass produced components that are easy to fabricate andimplement in order to improve localized space conditioning. Furthermore,the systems described herein may save energy through zoned spaceconditioning (e.g., buy one or more units to fit the cooling needs ofthe space). Finally, the modular systems may offer improved aesthetics,reduce the obstruction of windows or other viewports, offer improvedcomfort, save money on utility bills, require lower initial cost thanrelated art systems, and enable easy user-installation (e.g., DIYsystems).

The system and techniques described herein may reduce costs for modularair conditioning systems, and enable a new class of products that fillsthe gap between low cost, lower performance items like room airconditioners and high cost, higher performance items. Furthermore, thepresent disclosure may enable placement of existing modular systems inlocations other than windows without increasing cost or requiring largeholes in walls, which may be major impediments for sales, and serve assources of customer dissatisfaction with room air conditioners.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe modular air conditioningsystems that may address many of the major drawbacks of room airconditioners—including window, through-the-wall, portable airconditioners and ductless modular heat pumps. Embodiments of airconditioning systems provided herein may be quieter, more efficient, forboth heating and cooling, while occupying less window space, andproviding more aesthetically pleasing heating and cooling solutions thatdo not jeopardize home security. In addition embodiments of airconditioning systems presented herein may provide simpler homeinstallation methods for year-round air conditioning use. All of thesebenefits may be achieved while maintaining the affordability that is soimportant to many consumers. The air conditioning systems presentedherein divide the air conditioning system into two separate yet tightlyintegrated parts, with a first part positioned external to the home,with the second part positioned in the interior. These two parts may beeasily integrated into the complete air conditioning system, usingsimple connecting mechanisms that traverse a hole spanning the exteriorwall of the structure to be heated/cooled. Installation is simple, anddoes not require professional installation, and only requires the use ofa drill capable of producing the hole spanning the wall.

The systems and methods presented in this disclosure eliminate problemsassociated with window-mounted air conditioners, which are the mostpopular units installed in U.S. homes. Window-mounted air conditionerstend to leak air, even when they are installed correctly, and are ofteninstalled incorrectly. This draws hot summer air into the home,lessening the effectiveness and efficiency of the air conditioner andoften allows outside noise and water intrusion into the home. If awindow-mounted air conditioner is left in the window during periods ofcold environmental temperatures, air leakage may create drafts and allowheat to escape from the home. Even when window-mounted air conditionersare installed to manufacturers' instructions, the air leakage can equala 6-square-inch hole in the wall. Eliminating this air leakage yieldsroughly the same performance increase as moving from aminimum-efficiency unit to an Energy STAR unit, or approximately a10%-15% energy savings. Studies have found that for the multifamilyresidential buildings in New York City alone, the annual energy lossesadded up to $130-$180 million, and the associated carbon dioxideemissions from those energy losses totaled 375,000-525,000 tons ofcarbon dioxide. In addition, window mounts can present a safety concern,because an air conditioner can potentially fall from the window and landon people or property below. And, of course, window-mounted airconditioners take away the functionality of the window they are mountedin, which can be a significant issue in apartments with few windows—oronly one. In single-window apartments, blocking the only window presentsa safety hazard, because it could block an alternate egress path to fleea building fire. If improperly installed, window air conditioners canalso create a security risk, providing relatively easy entry for acriminal.

Window-mounted air conditioners also tend to be noisy, due to thecompressor, which is located within the air conditioner, and there isminimal sound muffling between the compressor and the interior of theroom. In contrast, embodiments of air conditioning systems disclosedherein place the compressor outside the building, and the connectingmechanisms to the interior minimizes sound propagation into thebuilding, so the air conditioning systems presented herein may be muchquieter.

The national benefits of developing and providing advanced airconditioning systems become clear when the magnitude of the market isconsidered. According to the Energy Information Administration's (EIA's)Residential Energy Consumption Survey, 25.9 million U.S. households areusing room air conditioners, and considering multiple units in somehouseholds, the total number of room air conditioners in use is morethan 44 million. In addition, annual shipments of window airconditioners total 8 million units in the United States. About 90% ofthose units are to replace older units, so the market actually has ahigh turnover rate, with roughly 16% of installed air conditioners beingreplaced every year. In fact, the EIA notes a significant businessopportunity to retrofit homes with new, more efficient air conditioning,noting that 20% of homes built during the 1980s have air conditioningequipment more than 20 years old.

Based on these figures, and weighting them for each climate region ofthe United States (each of which has unique cooling needs), it isestimated that the nation's residential air conditioners use 1.02quadrillion Btu, or 1.02 “quads,” of electricity. But because most U.S.electricity is generated at inefficient steam power plants, this resultsin 3.07 quads of energy at the source. For comparison, the U.S.residential sector consumed roughly 21.6 quads of energy in 2014, so airconditioning is currently responsible for about 14.2% of U.S. energyconsumption.

Using modeling for three climates, NREL estimates that embodiments ofair conditioning systems presented herein may result in an energysavings of 22% compared to window-mounted air conditioners. FIG. 18aillustrates energy savings simulations of air conditioning systems persome embodiments (disclosure) as described herein relative to a windowair conditioner (WAC) in Phoenix, Ariz. The simulated space was 400 sqftwhich is representative of the floor area that would be conditioned bythese products. Construction was typical of 1980's homes. Cooling energysavings is over 20%, estimated utility bill savings is $35/year asillustrated by FIG. 18b . Utility bill savings includes heating andcooling energy and accounts for reductions in unwanted air infiltrationto the living space.

Based on energy simulation results, if all room air conditioners(window-mounted and portable air conditioners) in the nation wereimmediately replaced with air conditioning systems per some embodimentsas described herein, the savings may be 0.5 quads of energy at thesource, or about 2.3% of U.S. residential energy consumption. That wouldavoid the emissions of 9.3 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, theequivalent of removing 2.1 million vehicles from the road. Likewise,displacing the sales of room air conditioners with air conditioningsystems per some embodiments as described herein may result in annualenergy savings of 0.09 quads, or 0.4% of U.S. residential energyconsumption. That would avoid the emissions of 1.7 million tons ofcarbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of removing 385,000 vehiclesfrom the road each year. In addition, the impact to the homeowner,landlord, or tenant can be significant. The energy savings per unit isestimated to be 3.9 million Btu per year, or 1,130 kilowatt-hours. Withthe average residential retail price of electricity at 12.67 cents perkilowatt-hour for 2015, the savings adds up to about $143 per year.Considering that most air conditioning use occurs during the hottestmonths of summer, the savings for low-income households can definitelyhelp make ends meet.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A system that includes a first unit that includes a condenser or anevaporator, a sleeve extending from an outside surface of the firstunit, and at least one of a drive mechanism, an electrical line, and/ora fluid line physically attached to the first unit. The sleeve extendsin a longitudinal direction that is substantially perpendicular to theoutside surface of the first unit, the sleeve has an outside walldefining an internal cavity, and the at least one of the drivemechanism, the electrical line, and or the fluid line are positionedwithin the internal cavity.

Example 2

The system of Example 1, further including a second unit including acondenser when the first unit includes an evaporator, or an evaporatorwhen the first unit includes a condenser, a channel positioned withinthe second unit, and at least one of a drive receiver, an electricalline connector, and/or a fluid line connector physically attached to thesecond unit. The channel extends in a longitudinal direction that issubstantially perpendicular to an outside surface of the second unit,the channel has an opening through the outside surface of the secondunit, and the channel terminates with a face plate positioned within thesecond unit. The at least one of the drive receiver, the electrical lineconnector, and/or the fluid line connector are positioned on the faceplate and the at least one of the drive receiver, the electrical lineconnector, and/or the fluid line connector are configured to align withand attach to the at least one of the drive mechanism, the electricalline and/or the fluid line.

Example 3

The system of Example 2, where the sleeve is positioned within thechannel, the longitudinal direction of the channel is aligned with thelongitudinal direction of the sleeve, and the at least one of the drivereceiver, the electrical line connector, and/or the fluid line connectorare attached at the face plate to the at least one of the drivemechanism, the electrical line and/or the fluid line.

Example 4

The system of Example 1, where the sleeve may include a receiving holethat passes through the outside wall.

Example 5

The system of Example 4, where the channel may include an arrestmechanism configured to reversibly move into and out of the receivinghole.

Example 6

The system of Example 1, where the sleeve may include a receiving groovepositioned on an outside surface of the outside wall.

Example 7

The system of Example 6, where the channel may include an arrestmechanism configured to reversibly move into and out of the receivinghole.

Example 8

The system of Example 1, where the sleeve may include a guiding edgepositioned on an outside surface of the outside wall.

Example 9

The system of Example 8, where the channel may include a guiding grooveconfigured to align with and receive the guiding edge, so that alignmentof the guiding groove and the guiding edge may align the at least one ofthe drive receiver, the electrical line connector, and/or the fluid lineconnector with the at least one of the drive mechanism, the electricalline and/or the fluid line.

Example 10

The system of Example 2, where the drive mechanism may be splined.

Example 11

The system of Example 10, where the drive receiver may have recessesconfigured to receive the splined drive mechanism.

Example 12

The system of Example 2, where the at least one of the drive receiver,the electrical line connector, and/or the fluid line connector mayattach to the at least one of the drive mechanism, the electrical lineand/or the fluid line attach by moving the sleeve into the channel.

Example 13

A system that includes a first unit, an second unit physically separatedfrom the first unit, a drive mechanism, and a connecting mechanismbetween the first unit and the second unit, wherein the drive mechanismpasses through the connecting mechanism.

Example 14

The system of Example 13, that may further include a motor, where thefirst unit may include a first fan, the second unit may include a secondfan, and the first fan and the second fan are both driven by the motor.

Example 15

The system of Example 14, where the first unit may contain the motor,and the drive mechanism may connect the motor and the second fan.

Example 16

The system of Example 14, where the first unit may contain the motor,and the drive mechanism may connect the motor and the first fan.

Example 17

The system of Example 13, where the drive mechanism may be a mechanicalshaft.

Example 18

The system of Example 13, where the first unit may be a condenser unitand the second unit may be an evaporator unit.

Example 19

The system of Example 13, where the first unit may be an evaporator unitand the second unit may be a condenser unit.

Example 20

A first part for a connector that includes a longitudinal axis with aproximal direction and a distal direction, a wall with a length definedby a proximal end and a distal end, the wall aligned along andpositioned around the longitudinal axis to form an internal fluidchannel, and a plug positioned and configured to move within theinternal fluid channel and centered along the longitudinal axis, theplug having a first contact surface positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis and facing the distal direction.The fluid channel has a narrow diameter portion that includes the distalend of the wall, and the fluid channel has a wide diameter portionproximal to the narrow radius portion, where the wide diameter portionis connected to the narrow diameter portion by a tapered portion of thefluid channel, together forming a continuous inside surface of the wall.The distal end of the wall has a second contact surface substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis and facing the distal direction.The plug has a first position, where the plug is positioned within thenarrow diameter portion of the fluid channel to form a fluid sealbetween the plug and the inside surface of the wall. The plug has asecond position, where the plug is positioned within the wide diameterto allow fluid flow through the fluid channel, and the plug isreversibly movable between the two positions along the longitudinalaxis.

Example 21

A second part for a connector that includes a longitudinal axis with aproximal direction and a distal direction, a wall with an inside surfaceand a length defined by a proximal end and a distal end, the wallaligned along and positioned around a longitudinal axis to form aninternal fluid channel, and a plug positioned within the internal fluidchannel and centered along the longitudinal axis, the plug having afirst contact surface positioned substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis and facing the proximal direction. The second partincludes a ring positioned concentrically around the longitudinal axisand configured to move within the internal fluid channel, the ringhaving a second contact surface positioned substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis and facing the proximal direction. The ring hasa first position, where the ring is positioned between the insidesurface of the wall and the stationary plug to form a fluid seal betweenthe plug and the inside surface of the wall. The ring has a secondposition, where the ring is positioned away from the stationary plug, inthe distal direction of the longitudinal axis, to allow fluid flowthrough the fluid channel, and the ring is reversibly moveable betweenthe two positions along the longitudinal axis.

Example 22

A connector that includes a longitudinal axis with a proximal directionand a distal direction, a first part as described in Example 20 and asecond part as described in claim 21, where the first part and thesecond part are connected by a first interface between the secondcontact surface of the wall of the first part, and the second contactsurface of the ring of the second part, to form a fluid seal between thefirst part and second part, and the first part and the second part areconnected at a second interface between the first contact surface of theplug of the first part, and the first contact surface of the plug of thesecond part, to form a continuous fluid channel from the distal end ofthe wall of the second part to the proximal end of the wall of the firstpart.

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate theinvention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of thedisclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of theinvention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention shouldbe construed to include everything within the scope of the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a first unit comprising: afirst housing having a first external surface and defining a firstinterior volume; a first heat exchanger positioned within the firstinterior volume; a first fluid line partially positioned within thefirst interior volume; a sleeve extending from the first externalsurface and terminating at the distal end, and a first part of a fluidconnector, wherein: the sleeve has an outside wall spanning a length ofthe sleeve and defining an internal cavity, the first part of the fluidconnector is positioned within the internal cavity, and the first fluidline provides a fluid connection between the first heat exchanger andthe first part of the fluid connector; a second unit comprising: asecond housing having a second external surface and defining a secondinterior volume; a second heat exchanger positioned within the secondinterior volume; a second fluid line positioned within the secondinterior volume; a channel extending into the second interior volumefrom the second external surface; and a second part of the fluidconnector positioned within the channel, wherein: the second fluid lineprovides a second fluid connection between the second heat exchanger andthe second part of the fluid connector, wherein: the channel comprisesan outside wall, the outside wall comprises a receiving hole, the insidewall comprises an arrest mechanism, the sleeve is positioned within thechannel, the sleeve has a first position, wherein the arrest mechanismis positioned outside of the receiving hole such that the sleeve ismovable in a direction parallel to the length, and the sleeve has asecond position, wherein the arrest mechanism is positioned within thereceiving hole such that the sleeve is not movable in the directionparallel to the length, and the first part and the second part arephysically connected to form a liquid seal that allows a fluid to betransferred between the first heat exchanger and the second heatexchanger.
 2. A method comprising: inserting a sleeve of a first unitthrough a hole positioned in a wall having a first surface and a secondsurface, such that a distal end of the sleeve protrudes from the secondsurface of the wall; securing the first unit to the wall by fastening alocking mechanism to the distal end; placing the distal end in a channelthat penetrates into a first surface of a housing of a second unit;moving the second unit to a desired position relative to the wall bymoving the distal end into the channel; and securing the second unit tothe first unit using at least one arrest mechanism positioned at leastwithin the channel or on the sleeve, wherein: securing the second unitto the first unit provides a fluid connection between the first unit andsecond unit.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: before theinserting, forming the hole in the wall, such that the hole passescompletely through a thickness of the wall.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein: the forming produces a hole that is positioned perpendicularrelative to at least one of the first surface of the wall or the secondsurface of the wall.
 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: priorto the inserting, placing a first gasket around the sleeve.
 6. Themethod of claim 2, further comprising: prior to the placing the distalend in the channel, placing a second gasket around the distal end. 7.The method of claim 2, further comprising: prior to the inserting,attaching a securement plate, the securement plate comprising a holepassing through the securement plate, to the second surface of the wall,wherein: the inserting the sleeve further comprises inserting the sleevethrough the hole of the securement plate.
 8. The method of claim 2,wherein: the fastening the locking mechanism comprises at least one ofthreading or ratcheting the locking mechanism onto the distal end of thesleeve.